Category: Design

  • Anglepoise + Paul Smith

    Anglepoise + Paul Smith

    Last Tuesday we attended the launch of the collaboration between iconic British design companies Anglepoise and Paul Smith. Taking place during Clerkenwell Design Week, this exciting new product was presented along two new lamp ranges, the Type 75 Maxi Collection and the Original 1227 Brass Collection.

    The Anglepoise + Paul Smith is a stunning new interpretation of the iconic Type 75 table lamp, where all the pieces of this original model designed by Sir Kenneth Grange are reinterpreted in a complimentary combination of colours.

    The Anglepoise + Paul Smith will be available to pre-order on both the Anglepoise and Paul Smith websites mid-August and in Paul Smith shops and selected retailers from 13th September 2014.

    Thanks to our newest contributor Jess Maddock for attending and documenting the event.

    www.anglepoise.com | www.paulsmith.co.uk

  • Popular Pieces Of Furniture That Ruled The Last Decade

    Furniture is one of the most interesting aspects of fashion and design. Just like clothing or interiors, it goes through cycles, with trends coming and going like the tide. 

    In this post, we take a look at some of the most popular pieces of furniture that ruled the last decade. Will any of them make a comeback do you think?

    Simple Embracing Wall Units

    Last decade, people fell in love with the idea that you could put objects other than books on bookcases. And this led to the development of new types of living room and bedroom shelving, designed to hold pretty much whatever objects you wanted. People used them for flowers, vases, ornaments, files, folders and baskets, creating a semi-boho look. Many homes continue to use them today because of their extreme versatility. 

    Geometric Rugs

    Last decade also saw a growing fascination with geometric rugs. For years, Persians dominated the market. So design enthusiasts were looking for something a little different to spice things up. The result was more structured rugs that relied on straight lines and edges.

    The wonderful thing about these rugs, though, was how they seemed to work in virtually any setting. They were just as at home in traditional and contemporary interiors, to the surprise of many. 

    Blush Armchairs

    Unsplash – CC0 License

    Blush armchairs are something you quite often see these days, thanks to their extreme popularity over the last few years. Many come in pink and provide a nice contrast to neutral interiors.

    Mirrored Furniture

    Mirrored hallway tables, cabinets, vanities and desks creating quite a stir over the last few years too. Partly, it is the result of social media. People view influencers’ glamorous homes and try to emulate them on their own, including as many mirrors as possible. This type of furniture automatically gives homes a luxe look, making them far more upmarket-looking than they would otherwise. 

    Floral Pieces

    Floral furniture also made a big impression. This type of upholstery gives each piece its own classical beauty and represents a refreshing change from many of the ultra-modern designs dominating the market at the moment. Just adding a single floral piece to a room can entirely transform the atmosphere, helping to make it feel more relaxed, natural and beautiful. 

    Artistic Pieces

    Unsplash – CC0 License

    Furniture was primarily functional in the early 2000s, especially with the rise of flat-pack budget stores. But people eventually tired of that model and began looking for art-inspired pieces instead. Designers responded. And now you can buy furniture with some of the most appealing aesthetics imaginable. Using a combination of visual styled helps to create balance in a room and make it feel more natural. 

    Sustainable Armchairs

    Lastly, sustainability has been a massive trend over the last decade. People became obsessed with how their activities were affecting the local ecosystem and the planet at large.

    Sustainable armchairs, therefore, took off in a big way. It offered people the option to buy furniture that didn’t unsustainably use the planet’s resources. Many options were made of sustainably harvested wood or fast-growing, low-impact bamboo.

  • Stand Out From The Crowd With The Right Accessories

    While society encourages us to blend in, we must continue to find ways to stand out. This can help us challenge societal norms, creating a future where every person will feel empowered by simply being the most authentic version of themselves. Thankfully, there are various ways in which we can begin on this pursuit-  a great example of this being how we dress. Personal style should be exactly that – personal – so you must not wear something because it’s trendy, but because you love it. Uniqueness and self-expression will always make for a more cohesive look.

    One way in which you can begin to express yourself is through accessorising. After all, even the smallest of accessories can dramatically transform a casual outfit to insta-feed worthy material. The best example of a classic, timeless accessory that looks great with every outfit would have to be a watch.  However, don’t be afraid to experiment with rarer models with unique designs instead of the more commonly purchased items. While they may be a little harder to get hold of, they are worth the investment.

    For example, the Submariner Date Kermit from Rolex is highly sought after due to its unique design, which has a distinctly vintage feel despite being released in 2003. This means that it’s great for those who aim to obtain a vintage aesthetic. Alternatively, the Cosmograph Daytona, which combines a more classic design with impressive functional features, is favoured amongst those looking for something a little more traditional.

    For more information about these rare watches, check out the infographic below. It provides you with all of the information you need – from specs to design info.


    Infographic Design by Emily at Watchbox watchbox.com

  • Edinburgh: Fortitude Coffee Merchant

    Edinburgh: Fortitude Coffee Merchant

    Fortitude is a new specialty coffee merchant and espresso bar serving delicious brew to the people of Edinburgh. They work with London based Workshop coffee who are committed to roasting the sweetest, cleanest and freshest coffee to make the perfect cup.

    Fortitude also stocks coffee beans from some of the best small-batch roasters in the UK and are happy to help anyone choose the right beans for the right brew, as well as supply all the tools and advice to brew at home.

    They are the newest addition to the coffee scene in Edinburgh and definitely worth a visit when you’re in the city. We love their coffee, cool interior, branding and friendly atmosphere.

    www.fortitudecoffee.com

    Fortitude Coffee Merchant

    3C York Place, Edinburgh

  • Bureo Skateboards

    Bureo Skateboards

    Bureo is a sustainable skateboard brand, manufacturing boards in Chile through the team’s initiative, ‘Net Positiva’, Chile’s first ever fishnet collection & recycling program. This initiative provides local fisherman with environmentally sound disposal points, while Bureo receives highly recyclable and durable raw materials which is used to build its skateboards.

    Founded byBen R. Kneppers, David M. Stover and Kevin J. Ahearn, three friends coming from engineering and sustainability backgrounds, Bureo has already funded the production of its first skateboards thanks to Kickstarter – although the campaign is still running and all the additional contributions will go towards expanding the ‘Net Positiva’ initiative.

    Find more about Bureo on the video below and support the Kickstarter campaign here.

    www.bureoskateboards.com